South Africa: we don’t need no steenking security
Security at the Mandela memorial? It wasn’t just lax; it was apparently virtually nonexistent:
Britain’s The Independent newspaper reported that “thousands of guests entering the FNB stadium in Soweto on Tuesday, especially those who had arrived very early, were not searched.” In addition, members of the media “were permitted to enter the press area directly beneath where politicians and dignitaries were seated without being asked to show passes.” And the Daily Mail reported that “the first crowds entered the stadium without being searched…
The South African government promised tight security for the event. “Working off plans developed for years in secret, the South African government is using an elite military task force, sniper teams and canine teams to help secure the stadium,” CNN reported before the event. “In addition, helicopters and military jets frequently fly overhead.”
It was a show of security. But it wasn’t security.”
Potemkin security, in other words. It was mere luck that nothing terrible occurred. I wonder, if it hadn’t been for the obviousness of the sign language interpreter brouhaha, whether the lax security would ever have been revealed at all.
I also wonder whether the Secret Service does its own checks, and how Obama was allowed to enter a situation so fraught with peril. There’s a hint in the article:
Before the event, CNN reported that a “Secret Service spokesman noted that while the agency’s preference is to bring their own metal detectors to such events, they do not have authority over local law enforcement in foreign countries and would be working with South African officials on security matters.”
Even as Obama flew to South Africa, White House officials confidently told reporters that the South African government could take care of things. “The sheer number of leaders appearing in the same place at one time raises numerous logistical and security challenges, but the White House expressed confidence in the South African government’s ability to handle the event,” CNN reported. “‘We have not heard any concerns,’ Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters aboard Air Force One. ‘The South Africans hosted the World Cup, so they have experience hosting significant crowds and managing events like this.'”
And I also wonder whether they’ll be more careful before sending Obama to future events in third-world countries, or whether they’ll fail to learn anything from this experience.
To have raised questions would be racist. Think of it as security affirmative action.
Keep sending him and the Secret Service should stay out of it and let the third world countries watch over Obama, like maybe the Kenyan military that looted the mall after the Islamic terrorist savages slaughtered all those non muslims.
Why should American taxpayers protect a creep who hates Americans and has done everything to weaken America.
I would say more, but i am trying to be nice. He needs to leave office, this country and the free world. Let him go live among the terrorists he loves.
My experiences with the Secret Service (flying the King of Sweden, staying in a hotel where the President gave a speech.) was that they were no-nonsense, aggressive protectors who left little to chance. It appears things may have changed. The recent scandals concerning prostitutes and liquor in foreign countries (for which see here: http://news.sky.com/story/1169119/secret-service-agents-face-new-sex-scandal ) indicate that the old tight-assed, no-nonsense service has lost its way.
Color me evil; I’m not real worked up about them being so stupid. Biden would be better. Go to Tehran next year, Preezy of the United Steezy.
http://ymarsakar.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/household-troops-secret-service-in-america/
Basically I’d just repeat that here.
Another opportunity missed to change the world as we know it, and yet there seems no outrage. Just think what the headlines would read in 50 years, looking back.
“Worlds Leadership and The Elite Leeches Were Decapitated This Day, FIFTY Years Ago – Prosperity Flourishes!”
Where are those crazy Muslims when you need them?
Islamic JIhad is allied with the Left’s upper leadership.
It would be pretty funny if they killed each other before getting rid of us, their true enemies.
KLSmith, if I remember correctly, the SS also covers security for former Presidents and their family too.
What happens when Bush junior goes overseas?
Ymarsakar: I guess if SS is that incompetent they shouldn’t plan trips to “developing” countries.
But that’s where all the kiddies, girls and boys are. They can’t get that kind of stuff in the US. Least not legally.
That’s what my sources tell me, at least. But hey, I’m sure Obama is white as snow and legit as pure virtue.
By they, I mean the SS and whatever Demoncrat they may be escorting to said developing country.
But while Bush Junior probably will stay in the US and avoid such trips, since he has no interest flying over to North Korea to bypass US diplomatic talks, that won’t apply to any future Republican Presidents that have to make a trip.
Assuming there is a future President…
http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/dgreenfield/fake-mandela-interpreter-worked-for-the-anc-burned-men-to-death/
Daniel Greenfield ^^^ has some additional backround on the player.
The dude was a hit man for the ANC — and a made man — if not a mad man.
Perfect representative of South Africa, Mandela, his clan-political alliance, and Hussein.